Mental Health Thread

Since I'm having a rough couple of days (grief rearing it's ugly head again, plus nasty PMS) I thought I'd start a Mental Health Thread. Maybe it'll be similar to any sort of venting thread, but we could also just talk about what our issues are, what meds (or other therapies) we take/use, plus read and support each other, feel safe to post without being "judged" (I would hope that wouldn't happen on a thread like this), etc...I'll try to keep it bumped so people know it exists....(I haven't seen a Mental Health Thread on this board for awhile, but excuse me if it is a more common thread than I realize)...

I've suffered from panic disorder since I was 19 (I'm 40 now) and currently take klonopin (which seems to work the best for it) but I've tried other things (and I sometimes take "nerve tonic" herbs), I've had plenty of counseling, etc (I esp. needed to go after my sister was killed in 2005). I think I suffer from a certain amount of PTSD because of my sister's murder (and seeing her in the hospital was very, very difficult), plus I've suffered from depression since I was a teenager. I take Wellbutrin for that...anyways, more later, but I thought I'd start us off..

Since I'm having a rough couple of days (grief rearing it's ugly head again, plus nasty PMS) I thought I'd start a Mental Health Thread. Maybe it'll be similar to any sort of venting thread, but we could also just talk about what our issues are, what meds (or other therapies) we take/use, plus read and support each other, feel safe to post without being "judged" (I would hope that wouldn't happen on a thread like this), etc...I'll try to keep it bumped so people know it exists....(I haven't seen a Mental Health Thread on this board for awhile, but excuse me if it is a more common thread than I realize)...

I've suffered from panic disorder since I was 19 (I'm 40 now) and currently take klonopin (which seems to work the best for it) but I've tried other things (and I sometimes take "nerve tonic" herbs), I've had plenty of counseling, etc (I esp. needed to go after my sister was killed in 2005). I think I suffer from a certain amount of PTSD because of my sister's murder (and seeing her in the hospital was very, very difficult), plus I've suffered from depression since I was a teenager. I take Wellbutrin for that...anyways, more later, but I thought I'd start us off..

You sound a lot like me. PPD can come in the form of anxiety too, my doctor and counselor both confirmed that for me. You should definitely talk to someone and get help. There are things you can do and some meds that you can take while breastfeeding.

I still go in and check on my 6 year old at night, Im afraid I'll go in there one morning and he won't be breathing. It's pretty irrational, but I can't stop my mind from going there.

You sound a lot like me. PPD can come in the form of anxiety too, my doctor and counselor both confirmed that for me. You should definitely talk to someone and get help. There are things you can do and some meds that you can take while breastfeeding.

I still go in and check on my 6 year old at night, Im afraid I'll go in there one morning and he won't be breathing. It's pretty irrational, but I can't stop my mind from going there.

"Look, there's no debating that the holy book of the majority should
dictate all the secular laws for everyone else. That's just common sense
until your side isn't winning. The Bible states in Genesis that
marriage is between a man and his mutated rib, which is as painful as it
sounds, but at least the Constitution allows it".

I cannot say that had I been properly under treatment when I was younger instead of waiting till 2001 to get help there are a great many decisions I would never have made. With the implusive behavior I got myself into a lot of bad situations that took me a time to get out of.

It saddens me, my 12 yr old is already showing pre-signs of bi-polar (ADD, Mood, and Impulse Disorders)... my 17 yr old asked me if she had it and I can honestly say I don't think so.

My husband is Bi-Polar and Borderline Personality (oddly we work it well MOST of the time if we are both on our medications)... I worry that my Itty Bit and the new baby will have these issues as well. However I know that I am far more open minded and knowledgeable than others. I just hope that they don't have that problem.

You are so right when it comes to mental illness. Knowledge is power.

I cannot say that had I been properly under treatment when I was younger instead of waiting till 2001 to get help there are a great many decisions I would never have made. With the implusive behavior I got myself into a lot of bad situations that took me a time to get out of.

It saddens me, my 12 yr old is already showing pre-signs of bi-polar (ADD, Mood, and Impulse Disorders)... my 17 yr old asked me if she had it and I can honestly say I don't think so.

My husband is Bi-Polar and Borderline Personality (oddly we work it well MOST of the time if we are both on our medications)... I worry that my Itty Bit and the new baby will have these issues as well. However I know that I am far more open minded and knowledgeable than others. I just hope that they don't have that problem.

I am bipolar and doctors have suspected many other mental illnesses that I refuse to be medicated for.

When I was 13 my story began. Puberty hit me hard at the age of 10 and all of a sudden I was the only girl with hips, boobs and her period. I became very self conscious. By the time I hit 13 I could not internalize my pain any more and I resorted to self mutilation and expressing myself through art. I continued this path until I was 16 at which point I searched for medical help.

The medication did not help. In fact, it made things worse. No matter what the doctors prescribed I was either keeled over in pain, a zombie, or my OCD was switched into hyper drive. At one point I was still cutting myself, and I was also a fanatical washer. I would shower on HOT to get the germs off me, and basically burned my hands washing them so much with hot water. My parents actually turned down the water heater.

The worst part about the medication was that it took away my creativity.

At the age of 18 I decided that I was not a guinea pig and I could not do any more medication. I wanted to be myself, I wanted to paint. I did not feel myself with the meds. The only time I felt myself was when I was high, so I medicated myself with marijuana (decriminalized here). After this I did have a few cutting incidences, but usually it was during a panic attack (not pot related). I haven't cut in 4 years now.

I stopped smoking pot when I found out I was pregnant. Unfortunately I now stand in front of canvases that are blank. But I will accept those empty canvases because I have the most wonderful son.

When I am done breastfeeding and am not pregnant I will occasionally use pot, because as much as I love my life now I am not myself. I can produce art, but I really have to force myself. I want the inspiration to come naturally again.

I am bipolar and doctors have suspected many other mental illnesses that I refuse to be medicated for.

When I was 13 my story began. Puberty hit me hard at the age of 10 and all of a sudden I was the only girl with hips, boobs and her period. I became very self conscious. By the time I hit 13 I could not internalize my pain any more and I resorted to self mutilation and expressing myself through art. I continued this path until I was 16 at which point I searched for medical help.

The medication did not help. In fact, it made things worse. No matter what the doctors prescribed I was either keeled over in pain, a zombie, or my OCD was switched into hyper drive. At one point I was still cutting myself, and I was also a fanatical washer. I would shower on HOT to get the germs off me, and basically burned my hands washing them so much with hot water. My parents actually turned down the water heater.

The worst part about the medication was that it took away my creativity.

At the age of 18 I decided that I was not a guinea pig and I could not do any more medication. I wanted to be myself, I wanted to paint. I did not feel myself with the meds. The only time I felt myself was when I was high, so I medicated myself with marijuana (decriminalized here). After this I did have a few cutting incidences, but usually it was during a panic attack (not pot related). I haven't cut in 4 years now.

I stopped smoking pot when I found out I was pregnant. Unfortunately I now stand in front of canvases that are blank. But I will accept those empty canvases because I have the most wonderful son.

When I am done breastfeeding and am not pregnant I will occasionally use pot, because as much as I love my life now I am not myself. I can produce art, but I really have to force myself. I want the inspiration to come naturally again.

I'm sorry:( If you absolutely don't want to take medication, don't do it! Or maybe they can start you on the lowest therapeutic dose of something and see if it helps? You can always get off of it if you don't think it is working (after you give it some time first!) Good luck no matter what you decide to do!

I'm sorry:( If you absolutely don't want to take medication, don't do it! Or maybe they can start you on the lowest therapeutic dose of something and see if it helps? You can always get off of it if you don't think it is working (after you give it some time first!) Good luck no matter what you decide to do!

I have had depression for years. I only really realizing I had it when I started cutting when I was 16. I struggled with that for 4 years and stopped the day before I had Jake. He keeps my mind off cutting.

After he was born I had the worst case of PPD my doctor has ever seen. I somehow recovered a month later without meds (I think going home for a month helped).

We thought it came back a few months ago but I don't know if it's considered PPD this late after giving birth. This time around I am not only depressed and anxious but the anxiety is CRAZY. I couldn't go a day without driving DH crazy and myself crazy with all my fears so I went to the Doc and got on my original meds. Celexa is helping me a lot but I have noticed that I wake up at night for no reason so I'm going to the doc wednesday to get some sleep meds and possibly up my dose of celexa while DH is away for 7 months.

I am beginning to think I have a minor case of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). I was molested by DH's old best friend in my own home a month after Jake was born and since then worry constantly about my safety and Jake's. The Celexa has helped with that but I still want my pepper spray!

I have had depression for years. I only really realizing I had it when I started cutting when I was 16. I struggled with that for 4 years and stopped the day before I had Jake. He keeps my mind off cutting.

After he was born I had the worst case of PPD my doctor has ever seen. I somehow recovered a month later without meds (I think going home for a month helped).

We thought it came back a few months ago but I don't know if it's considered PPD this late after giving birth. This time around I am not only depressed and anxious but the anxiety is CRAZY. I couldn't go a day without driving DH crazy and myself crazy with all my fears so I went to the Doc and got on my original meds. Celexa is helping me a lot but I have noticed that I wake up at night for no reason so I'm going to the doc wednesday to get some sleep meds and possibly up my dose of celexa while DH is away for 7 months.

I am beginning to think I have a minor case of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). I was molested by DH's old best friend in my own home a month after Jake was born and since then worry constantly about my safety and Jake's. The Celexa has helped with that but I still want my pepper spray!

I have anxiety disorder and moderate depression. I take Prozac and Budeprion. I suffered from postpartum depression after both of my sons were born, but not after my daughter was born. It was the worst after my youngest, who is almost 2.

Currently, I am doing well on my medications, but having some issues with death-my own and members of my family. I am not sure why, b/c I have not lost anyone close to me recently. We are changing insurance companies, so I am in the process of finding a new doctor.

Other issues that contribute to my mental state, (or lack thereof...! :) are that I have/had thyroid cancer and had 2 surgeries and 2 radioactive iodine treatments. I am also in recovery and have 7.5 years of sobriety.

Thanks for the thread-it feels good to be able to share! :)

I have anxiety disorder and moderate depression. I take Prozac and Budeprion. I suffered from postpartum depression after both of my sons were born, but not after my daughter was born. It was the worst after my youngest, who is almost 2.

Currently, I am doing well on my medications, but having some issues with death-my own and members of my family. I am not sure why, b/c I have not lost anyone close to me recently. We are changing insurance companies, so I am in the process of finding a new doctor.

Other issues that contribute to my mental state, (or lack thereof...! :) are that I have/had thyroid cancer and had 2 surgeries and 2 radioactive iodine treatments. I am also in recovery and have 7.5 years of sobriety.

About a month ago I was prescribed Celexa (I think they gave me the generic) for anxiety. I have yet to take it, but I know I should.

In Feb of 2006 my mom died of breast cancer when she was 43 years old. She died one month before my wedding day. In Sept of 2006 my grandma died from bone cancer. She lived by my family on the family farm my whole life. She was a second mom to me. Grandma did not know she had cancer until July 2006. I really wish they could have fought cancer together :(

In October 2008, shortly after I found out I was expecting, my 65 year old grandma (my mom's mom), died suddenly from a diabetic problem. She only lived 10 minutes away from me.

I have a lot of anxiety and depression over these deaths. I am very paranoid that I have cancer or will get cancer. I don't do self breast checks monthly, I do them daily. Every little illness I feel as if it's the beginning of the end.

When my mom died, I felt a lot of responsibility towards my two younger sisters. We are all in our 20s now, but I still feel like they are my responsibility. I rarely show my emotion and hide all of my feelings from everyone. Some of my friends think I am so strong, but they don't really know what's going on. I think I am difficult to live with. I feel sorry for DH. I am very afraid to start taking any medications, because I don't want to become dependent. My doctor says I will not become dependent on it, but I am not for sure...

About a month ago I was prescribed Celexa (I think they gave me the generic) for anxiety. I have yet to take it, but I know I should.

In Feb of 2006 my mom died of breast cancer when she was 43 years old. She died one month before my wedding day. In Sept of 2006 my grandma died from bone cancer. She lived by my family on the family farm my whole life. She was a second mom to me. Grandma did not know she had cancer until July 2006. I really wish they could have fought cancer together :(

In October 2008, shortly after I found out I was expecting, my 65 year old grandma (my mom's mom), died suddenly from a diabetic problem. She only lived 10 minutes away from me.

I have a lot of anxiety and depression over these deaths. I am very paranoid that I have cancer or will get cancer. I don't do self breast checks monthly, I do them daily. Every little illness I feel as if it's the beginning of the end.

When my mom died, I felt a lot of responsibility towards my two younger sisters. We are all in our 20s now, but I still feel like they are my responsibility. I rarely show my emotion and hide all of my feelings from everyone. Some of my friends think I am so strong, but they don't really know what's going on. I think I am difficult to live with. I feel sorry for DH. I am very afraid to start taking any medications, because I don't want to become dependent. My doctor says I will not become dependent on it, but I am not for sure...

I've had problems with depression and anxiety most of my life. Since my early teens at least, and have gone mostly untreated.

In 08 while pregnant, I talked to my OB about heart palps and flutters I was having and anxiety and depression. He set me up with his NP to talk about my difficulties and prescribed Zoloft.

It worked! Finally I had relief from that paralyzing anxiety which was the root of the depression anyway.

I'm still on it and love it!

I had problems obsessing over certain things and I couldn't let it go until it was resolved in my head. Now I dont' have that. Stuff bugs me and I think about it, decide what I want to do about it and that's it.

It slowed me down enough that I can think clearly for the first time ever. :)

I went untreated most of my life bc I couldn't afford treatment. Counselors and Dr.s are expensive and I just did not have the money to spend on one until they got me on the right path. That has been a huge struggle.

My self esteem has been low most of my life too. I'm just now building it back up.

One day I just decided that I came first and that it was ok to put me first and take care of me. I got some resistance, especially from Chloe's dad (go figure). But I talked about it with my closer family members and friends and they were suprisingly supportive and that just fueled me even more forward.

I'm glad you started this thread, this is really neat.

What kinds of natural/cheaper things would you suggest for anxiety and depression?

I've had problems with depression and anxiety most of my life. Since my early teens at least, and have gone mostly untreated.

In 08 while pregnant, I talked to my OB about heart palps and flutters I was having and anxiety and depression. He set me up with his NP to talk about my difficulties and prescribed Zoloft.

It worked! Finally I had relief from that paralyzing anxiety which was the root of the depression anyway.

I'm still on it and love it!

I had problems obsessing over certain things and I couldn't let it go until it was resolved in my head. Now I dont' have that. Stuff bugs me and I think about it, decide what I want to do about it and that's it.

It slowed me down enough that I can think clearly for the first time ever. :)

I went untreated most of my life bc I couldn't afford treatment. Counselors and Dr.s are expensive and I just did not have the money to spend on one until they got me on the right path. That has been a huge struggle.

My self esteem has been low most of my life too. I'm just now building it back up.

One day I just decided that I came first and that it was ok to put me first and take care of me. I got some resistance, especially from Chloe's dad (go figure). But I talked about it with my closer family members and friends and they were suprisingly supportive and that just fueled me even more forward.

I'm glad you started this thread, this is really neat.

What kinds of natural/cheaper things would you suggest for anxiety and depression?

Yea, and when people find out I don't drive, they look at me with disbelief, and I feel embarrassed telling them that I have a driving phobia. They usually kind of nod their heads and I feel like they are judging me. They probably think "Yea, well, a lot of people are nervous while driving" but they just don't understand how strong a PHOBIA can actually be! Part of me hopes to get over this phobia and then part of me thinks that I don't need to drive, anyway, because there are already too many cars on the road (I do tend to think about our environment and what we've done to it!)..*Sigh*..I guess I am pretty dependent on my husband as far as him taking me places (and esp. now that we have a baby), but what most people don't realize is that I have no problems using public transportation or walking if I need to!

Yea, and when people find out I don't drive, they look at me with disbelief, and I feel embarrassed telling them that I have a driving phobia. They usually kind of nod their heads and I feel like they are judging me. They probably think "Yea, well, a lot of people are nervous while driving" but they just don't understand how strong a PHOBIA can actually be! Part of me hopes to get over this phobia and then part of me thinks that I don't need to drive, anyway, because there are already too many cars on the road (I do tend to think about our environment and what we've done to it!)..*Sigh*..I guess I am pretty dependent on my husband as far as him taking me places (and esp. now that we have a baby), but what most people don't realize is that I have no problems using public transportation or walking if I need to!

I have a tendency to slide in that direction without meds. Thankfully, I'm usually able to get back on track. I know I'm fortunate that it's not been harder.

My mother is the same way. She thinks the words depression, addiction, things of that nature are just excuses for people to act any way they wish. Here's the kicker- she's the Executive Director's assistant at a mental health facility!! I've also had to avoid her for months at a time to help get myself back into a good place. (Oh the arguing when I put my then 7 yr old on Concerta- his ADHD was so negatively impacting his school I had to give it a shot.)

I'm glad you are able to recognize when it's time to seek help. So many people are unaware or go into denial. It sounds like despite your father that you do have a wonderful support system around you.

I have a tendency to slide in that direction without meds. Thankfully, I'm usually able to get back on track. I know I'm fortunate that it's not been harder.

My mother is the same way. She thinks the words depression, addiction, things of that nature are just excuses for people to act any way they wish. Here's the kicker- she's the Executive Director's assistant at a mental health facility!! I've also had to avoid her for months at a time to help get myself back into a good place. (Oh the arguing when I put my then 7 yr old on Concerta- his ADHD was so negatively impacting his school I had to give it a shot.)

I'm glad you are able to recognize when it's time to seek help. So many people are unaware or go into denial. It sounds like despite your father that you do have a wonderful support system around you.

Oh it's OK to butt in..I was actually butting in when I replied to her :).

Ive heard that too. It's so obnoxious to be sitting there thinking everything is alright and then get a panic attack. It almost makes you more anxious because you never know when it's going to happen. Not good.

Oh it's OK to butt in..I was actually butting in when I replied to her :).

Ive heard that too. It's so obnoxious to be sitting there thinking everything is alright and then get a panic attack. It almost makes you more anxious because you never know when it's going to happen. Not good.

"Look, there's no debating that the holy book of the majority should
dictate all the secular laws for everyone else. That's just common sense
until your side isn't winning. The Bible states in Genesis that
marriage is between a man and his mutated rib, which is as painful as it
sounds, but at least the Constitution allows it".

i have bipolar disorder and PPD, but i'm not currently on meds for either because im BFing. i was on lamictal and lexapro for a number of years and they seemed to help a lot, but i stopped taking them (under my docs supervision) when i found out i was prego. i think my bipolar has gotten better over the years because i haven't had a manic episode in a very long time. right now the PPD has been a struggle. i know there are some meds that i could take while BFing but i also know some of them will get into the milk and i don't want to expose my LO to them, since she'll already have a predisosition to depression on both sides and i don't know how they would possibly affect her brain chemistry. i've been meaning to make an appointment with a counselor for like two months now but i never seem to just be able to pick up the phone and do it. i know it would probably help a lot to just have somebody to talk to.... one of these days i'll get around to it, lol!

i have bipolar disorder and PPD, but i'm not currently on meds for either because im BFing. i was on lamictal and lexapro for a number of years and they seemed to help a lot, but i stopped taking them (under my docs supervision) when i found out i was prego. i think my bipolar has gotten better over the years because i haven't had a manic episode in a very long time. right now the PPD has been a struggle. i know there are some meds that i could take while BFing but i also know some of them will get into the milk and i don't want to expose my LO to them, since she'll already have a predisosition to depression on both sides and i don't know how they would possibly affect her brain chemistry. i've been meaning to make an appointment with a counselor for like two months now but i never seem to just be able to pick up the phone and do it. i know it would probably help a lot to just have somebody to talk to.... one of these days i'll get around to it, lol!

"Look, there's no debating that the holy book of the majority should
dictate all the secular laws for everyone else. That's just common sense
until your side isn't winning. The Bible states in Genesis that
marriage is between a man and his mutated rib, which is as painful as it
sounds, but at least the Constitution allows it".

yeah, the best part was that it furthered my insecurities in thinking something was wrong with me. I couldn't figure out how other people got anything out of it. So, I thought I must've been really bad off, like other people had to be at least a little sane to get anything out of it. Or maybe the counselors just didn't like me, bc that would be normal for me too since I thought that about everyone, that they didn't like me. :)

Yeah, way to go self esteem! Whohoo! Good times!

yeah, the best part was that it furthered my insecurities in thinking something was wrong with me. I couldn't figure out how other people got anything out of it. So, I thought I must've been really bad off, like other people had to be at least a little sane to get anything out of it. Or maybe the counselors just didn't like me, bc that would be normal for me too since I thought that about everyone, that they didn't like me. :)

Nothing diagnosed recently anyway. I do still have occasional panic attacks related to the times I was raped in college, usually they happen while DH and I are in bed and it takes him awhile to talk me down from them. He's been great about it though.

I've dealt with eating disorder issues, cutting and depression in the past. Always avoided seeking any treatment though until I dealt with PPD after having Micah.

I saw a counselor for awhile but it became too costly so I'm on my own again for now.

Nothing diagnosed recently anyway. I do still have occasional panic attacks related to the times I was raped in college, usually they happen while DH and I are in bed and it takes him awhile to talk me down from them. He's been great about it though.

I've dealt with eating disorder issues, cutting and depression in the past. Always avoided seeking any treatment though until I dealt with PPD after having Micah.

I saw a counselor for awhile but it became too costly so I'm on my own again for now.

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